The average speed of a cyclist: how to ride a bike fast and long

The average speed for all cyclists is one. However, pedaling is easy with some, while others are exhausted after a few kilometers. There are many reasons why this happens. The article will consider the key ones.

Average cyclist speed

Since there are still more experienced cyclists than novices, the following data is designed for experienced riders. Strangely enough, in different countries and cities the average speed of a bicycle is different. In large cities, it reaches 30 km / h, in villages - 10-20. On the highway, cyclists sometimes accelerate to 40-60 km / h. It depends not only on the technique of driving, but on the type of bike. But more about that later.

Factors Affecting Speed

It is quite obvious that the factors slowing down the speed of driving also influence the severity of pedaling. That is why every cyclist is obliged to carefully consider and take them into account.

Tire pressure

The most easily correctable factor is the pressure in the tires.The higher it is, the better the roll and easier to pick up speed. When driving on highways and city roads, you can heat up the tires all the way, but for a primer it is better to reduce the pressure. By the way, the overall hardness of the bike also affects the ease of rolling. This refers to the bike suspension. Consider that for the softness of driving on a double-suspended (and even single-suspension) bicycle, you will have to pay with the increased complexity of speeding.

Tire

The next factor is the width of the tire and the shape of its tread. First of all, it should be borne in mind that in thick wheels real need only appears on the frank roads. In urban conditions, the law “the thinner the tire, the better.” Therefore, when choosing a bike, you should be clearly aware of how it will be used. As for the tread, almost bare rubber is suitable for the city, for priming - studded. The reverse situation is fraught with tremendous agony when driving.

Weight and wheel size

Immediately, we note that the larger the wheel size, the more favorable the conversion of energy when driving. For the city the best option would be 29-inch wheels. For extreme driving - 24. Not otherwise.

Regarding the weight of the wheel, we can say the following: not only the diameter affects the weight, but the quality of the package bundle. Sleeve, spokes, aluminum rim will weigh much less steel. By the way, the quality of equipment also includes the degree of wear of wheel parts. It is worth knowing that nothing affects the dynamics of acceleration as much as the weight of the wheels.

General bike geometry and aerodynamics

The length of the frame and the landing of the rider on it is important. For example, with a lowered saddle and a wide steering configuration, it will be not only monstrously difficult, but also dangerous to health. The most aerodynamic is the construction of road bikes (see photo below). They are distinguished by a low landing rider, in which his body is approximately parallel to the surface of the earth, a narrow steering wheel and a long frame. Its opposite is the highly specialized BMX bikes, designed strictly for stunts.

Total weight of the bike

In general, the mass factor manifests itself only in specific conditions, such as descents / ascents and off-road conditions. On a light car, of course, it is convenient to drive in any conditions, while on a heavy one, it is convenient to just go down.

Weather

To accelerate against a head wind of more than 15 km / h is not an easy task. But at the same time, only a bumpy road will force you to fall below 30 km / h. By the way, bicycle wheels, which have blades instead of spokes, suffer greatly from side wind.

Technique pedaling

With the same average speed in one case, you can go, almost without expending strength, and in the other - struggling with exhaustion. Whatever the bicycle, the most important thing is the speed of the pedaling technique and attention to speed (if, of course, the bike is not one-speed).

Cadence

Cadence is the frequency of the pedals per minute. Immediately stipulate that the cadence should always be in the range of 60-90 revolutions. Most beginners make the same grave mistake - they jerk the pedals, periodically letting the bike roll by inertia. At the same time, they constantly have to overcome the cadence threshold. And it takes a lot more power than constantly spinning at optimal speed. By the way, special cycle computers help to monitor the cadence.

Health hazard and some myths

In general, it is easy to roll a bicycle in almost all gears (except for the fastest), so if pedaling is hard, the only way to ease it is to accelerate.Constant pedaling with great effort is fraught with complications in the area of ​​the knees, so you should very carefully pick up the gear for the ride. And if it is impossible to go to a high speed, you should immediately lower the gear. The average speed will not suffer, but the knees will be much easier.

Foot movement

Another common misconception is that the pedals must be pushed like pistons. This is not true. It is necessary to apply a uniform force throughout the circumferential path of the pedal. With such a ride, firstly, the dynamics of muscle tension will be constant, and secondly, additional muscle groups will be involved. It is so important that in any school of cycling the most attention is paid to the technique of pedaling. The average speed is almost independent of the pressure pedal technique, but the ergonomics of the forces expended depend on it to the full.

Additional ways to make riding easier

There are still a few minor tricks that can have a beneficial effect on driving pleasure. So, the first thing: you need to drive in a relaxed way - there is nothing in a bicycle ride that would make you tense up.Second: the shoes should be a continuation of the foot, the foot should not hang out in the shoe. And thirdly: they will accelerate best of all while standing, in the so-called position of the dancer. This will not affect the average speed of the cyclist, but it will greatly save his strength.